medication

Do your hands, feet, and other joints feel tender or become painful after prolonged inactivity? Do you wake up in the morning with stiff joints? Do the joints in your hands and feet seem to have thickened? Have your joints become deformed? If you have been experiencing these symptoms, then chances are you are suffering with rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition that principally affects the small joints of the hands and feet. The elbows, shoulders, knees, hips, and other joints can also be affected as the inflammation is targeted towards the synovial membrane which is responsible for lubricating these joints. Swelling and pain result when these joints become dry and damaged.

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Onset of this condition is usually between ages 30 and 55 and women are more commonly affected than men. It can range from relatively mild to very severe, in which case, joints become deformed. Majority of patients suffer a chronic persistent condition that results in the slow destruction of the joints and the erosion of the underlying bone.

About 10 percent of patients who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis are eventually disabled in spite of extensive intervention. In most patients though show improvement with conservative treatment among which are:

Bed Rest and Proper Diet. Bed rest is particularly helpful in the most active and painful stages of arthritis. Changes in diet, such as including dietary supplements with fish and plant oils, may also help relieve symptoms.

Aspirin. Salicylates(aspirin-type drugs) are relatively safe, inexpensive, anti-inflammatory medication that do offer some relief. Although aspirin has been the traditional treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, some people show adverse reactions so it is not suitable for everyone.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Ibuprofen, Indoemthacin, Fenoprofen, and Flurbiprofen are non steroidal drugs that reduce the inflammation on the joints. These drugs though could have adverse side effects, such as gastric symptoms and gastrointestinal bleeding, and should be taken only upon doctor’s advice.

Steroids. Steroids have the most significant effect on alleviating the symptoms of the disease but their effect diminishes after prolonged use. As with most drugs, they could also have serious side effects.

You never know when an emergency might occur or when disaster may strike so it is wise to always be prepared for such instances. One of the very basic things one needs during emergencies is a first-aid kit. Below are suggestions on what you should have in your first aid kits.

Personal First Aid Kit (keep in your purse or car)

Adhesive bandages(assorted sizes)

Antiseptic wipe packets

Antibiotic ointment packets

Personal medication and emergency phone numbers

Travel First Aid Kit

absorbent compress dressings

adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)

adhesive cloth tape

antibiotic ointment packets

antiseptic wipe packets

blanket (space blanket)

instant cold compress

hydrocortisone ointment packets

sterile gauze pads

Oral thermometer

triangular bandages

Tweezers

First aid instruction booklet

Plastic resealable bags (oven and sandwich bags)

Flashlight with batteries

Insect repellant

Sunscreen

Knife (Swiss army-type)

Personal medicationPhone card with at least 60 minutes of time and emergency phone numbers

Household First Aid Kit(for a family of four)

2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)

25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)

1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)

5 antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram)

5 antiseptic wipe packets

2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each)

1 blanket (space blanket)

1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve)

1 instant cold compress

2 pair of nonlatex gloves (size: large)

2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each)

Scissors

1 roller bandage (3 inches wide)

1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)

5 sterile gauze pads (3 x 3 inches)

5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)

Oral thermometer(non-mercury/nonglass)

2 triangular bandages

TweezersFirst aid instruction booklet

These are merely recommendations on what you should have in your first aid kits. Keep in mind though that your first aid kit,regardless of whether it is for personal, travel, or household use, should always include all the items you might need in an emergency. Most important of which are your medications and emergency phone numbers.

Also, do check your first aid kits regularly. Replaced expired or out-of-date contents and ensure that batteries for the flashlights are working. In addition to having well-equipped first aid kits, it is also important to be informed of emergency procedures and disaster preparedness. Make it a point to research on or attend seminars on what to do during emergencies and how to act when disaster strikes.